Working with the community – Côte d’Ivoire
In 2009, we extended our community development programme in Côte d’Ivoire especially to work with the communities close to our facilities, including:
Azito, where there is a joint agreement with other operators to provide:
- better health care to children through a newly refurbished sick bay that is regularly stocked with medicine and equipment; and
- educational opportunities for young children in refurbished classrooms.
Jacqueville, where we have helped with the refurbishment of local schools and sponsoring of youth sports activities. We are also engaged in a joint programme with other operators to fund, and administer through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, future community development projects based on an agreed assessment of local needs.
Our involvement in the community is diverse and we work with a number of charitable organisations that are focused on providing education and training to young people. The projects we’ve been involved with include the orphanage in Bingerville where there has been a long-standing relationship and where we have refurbished classrooms and dormitories, provided computers and photocopiers and sponsored the students’ awards. We will supplement this by providing college scholarships for the most promising students.
We have also commenced support of the development of an art school in Abidjan, where more than 50 street children will have the opportunity to learn art techniques, such as painting and sculpture. We are currently refurbishing and equipping a newly acquired house that will provide the teaching facilities.
“We are committed to working with our host communities to ensure that the benefits arising from oil and gas activities in Africa are realised by the people closest to our operations.”
Shahid Ullah – Chief Operating Officer
Pupils attending school at the Bingerville Orphanage.